Volunteer Ranger Program

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Become a Volunteer Ranger and help protect Maryland's natural resources! The Volunteer Ranger Program is for people ages 18 and above who want to assist the Department's regular work force in state parks with operations, programs and public service. Volunteers are trained and provided with uniforms for their jobs once they have completed 40 hours of volunteer service at a state park. For an application and additional information, contact the state park nearest you. Download a copy of the Maryland Park Service Volunteer Ranger Guidelines for more information.

A one-day orientation training helps rangers become acclimated to the state forest and park service. Additional training opportunities, that may include CPR, first aid, search and rescue, and trail stewardship, are offered on a regional basis.

As ambassadors of the state parks, Volunteer Rangers serve a vital role to the public. Thousands of visitors to Maryland's state parks look to Volunteer Rangers for guidance and help.

Here's what Volunteer Rangers are doing in Maryland:

Provide Outstanding Customer Service - Volunteer Rangers assist the public, answer their questions and ensure a quality experience for all visitors. Volunteers promote and expand public knowledge, understanding and appreciation for Maryland's natural resources.

Volunteer Mounted Patrol - These Volunteer Rangers perform their duties on their own horses. They must also attend training, as well as complete a horse assessment. The Volunteer Mounted Patrol members look for violations and problems and assist park visitors.

Volunteer Bike Patrol - Bike Patrol volunteers use their own bikes and report downed trees on trails, washouts and other problems in places that park rangers may not see on a regular basis.